Careers education and guidance serves to complement the academic curriculum. Our aim is to provide high-quality impartial careers advice and support to each pupil throughout his education. During his time in the Boys' Division the Careers Department plays a key role in helping each pupil develop transferable skills through work-related learning. We prepare him to be successful, enterprising and vocationally aware and ready for the challenges that lie ahead in the world of work and in Higher Education.
In the Lower School (Years 7 - 9) we believe that it is important for each pupil to develop an awareness of his personal skills, abilities and qualities. He will take part in the Work Sampling Day with a parent, relative or family friend. PSHE teaches him about the issues of the workplace (e.g. Equal Opportunities and Health & Safety). He is required to submit a careers project in Year 9 using resources from the Careers Library and computer network. These activities enhance the curriculum and are key to the development of the whole individual.
In the Middle School (Years 10 and 11) careers guidance becomes more personalised. In order to assist each pupil with medium-term planning, we use the Morrisby Profile. This consists of a questionnaire, psychometric test and an individual feedback session with an independent Careers Advisor. The advice, taken from the computerised profile of results, is of immense value and helps him make informed decisions about subjects to study in Year 12. Together with guidance from the Form Tutor and Heads of Year each pupil is prepared for the period of transition into the Senior School. Vocational awareness and transferable skills are further practiced at the end of Year 11 when all boys go on Work Experience placement for 1-2 weeks. This provides valuable insights which support many applications to university later on.
In the Senior School careers guidance gathers pace. Regular individual interviews with Form Tutors serve to encourage informed decision-making for higher education and career targets. During his first term in Year 12 each pupil attends a 3 day vocational skills training course, "Business Enterprise and Awareness Training", held at Patterdale Hall in the Lake District.
Parents and pupils are invited to attend a Careers Convention held jointly with the Girls' Division. All Year 12 pupils are taken to a Higher Education Convention and this is further enhanced by the 'World of Work" programme and the ‘Interview Skills Evening’. Pupils attend a ‘Higher Education and Finance’ lecture given by a University Admissions Tutor. Parents are also invited to attend a similar talk. Later in the year pupils are given up-to-date information on UCAS application guidelines (including a talk on how to write their ‘Personal Statements’).
The Careers Department also runs a programme of lunchtime talks from visiting speakers and employers on topics of general vocational and academic interest.
Head of Careers: Mr R A Catterall
Careers Assistants: Mrs C Sutcliffe and Mrs K Bell